The Public Consultation Program on Nuclear Fuel Waste Management in Canada

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited has conducted a public consultation program (PCP) with public interest groups broadly representative of Canadian society to identify the issues of public importance in nuclear fuel waste disposal. The PCP is supported by public opinion polling and focus group research to verify he general applicability of the issues raised. The methodology of the PCP is discussed, and the main issues that have been identified are listed. The results of the public opinion research generally support the conclusions of the PCP. The program has been a valuable method for AECL to identify the non-technical issues surrounding acceptance of the concept of deep geological disposal of nuclear fuel waste.